What did you do with your SuperHawk today?
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 120
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 40
Had RACETECH .95 springs installed in the front fork along with new seals, valves and oil.
Then the next day, I installed a Jamie Dougherty rear shock. THen I took it for a very brisk canyon ride.
The new front and rear suspension makes all the difference in the world. I still need to have everything fine tuned to my weight but the Honda Dealer and J.D. did a pretty good job of getting it really close based on the info I gave them.
The experts are right though, suspension should be the 1st thing every done on a motorcycle over engine mods. Especially for the guys that ride either briskly in the canyons or do track days.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Then the next day, I installed a Jamie Dougherty rear shock. THen I took it for a very brisk canyon ride.
The new front and rear suspension makes all the difference in the world. I still need to have everything fine tuned to my weight but the Honda Dealer and J.D. did a pretty good job of getting it really close based on the info I gave them.
The experts are right though, suspension should be the 1st thing every done on a motorcycle over engine mods. Especially for the guys that ride either briskly in the canyons or do track days.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Last edited by Tofazfou; Apr 22, 2014 at 05:53 PM.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 295
From: Everett, Washington
Took the Hawk out for our longest ride yet. I really am getting more used to the bike now and I found a twisty bit of state road to practice on. I really like how the bike handles; it's easily as good as my old RD400 but much more powerful. I like all the roarty sounds the engine makes too.
Apparently I found a popular biking road because at least a third of the traffic was bikes, all kinds.
I stopped at a place called the Big Rock Cafe and ate an eleven-freakin-dollar bacon cheeseburger with a crowd of riders. There were 3 guys on Ducatis who would barely talk to geeky old me. But I talked a while with the other Honda guys, one on a NX700 and another guy on a beautiful RC51. He told me he had a hawk at home too.
Apparently I found a popular biking road because at least a third of the traffic was bikes, all kinds.
I stopped at a place called the Big Rock Cafe and ate an eleven-freakin-dollar bacon cheeseburger with a crowd of riders. There were 3 guys on Ducatis who would barely talk to geeky old me. But I talked a while with the other Honda guys, one on a NX700 and another guy on a beautiful RC51. He told me he had a hawk at home too.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,066
From: NYC
FINALLY re-wired my electical accessories with this neat little fuse box.
This seller has a lot of very cool stuff.
EachBuyer - Cool Gadgets, LED, Home & Garden, Electronics at Affordable Prices, Free Shipping!
This seller has a lot of very cool stuff.
EachBuyer - Cool Gadgets, LED, Home & Garden, Electronics at Affordable Prices, Free Shipping!
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 177
From: Roseburg, OR
What did I do with my hawk today?
I trailered by bike home yesterday after hearing the "call" for manual CCTs. :/ I don't think there's damage. I didn't hear any clunk. Just ding da ding ding da ding ding da ding ding. I shut off and pulled over immediately.
Ordering APE CCTs now.
I trailered by bike home yesterday after hearing the "call" for manual CCTs. :/ I don't think there's damage. I didn't hear any clunk. Just ding da ding ding da ding ding da ding ding. I shut off and pulled over immediately.
Ordering APE CCTs now.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 972
Rex Kramer-Thrill Seeker
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,312
From: Brookfield, WI
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 40
Saw 240 degrees on my digital temp gauge. .....THIS ISN"T RIGHT..RIGHT?!
Removed the thermostat and performed not only the YOUTUBE Test but also the test from the HONDA manual and the Thermostat FAILED!
So yeah, today, I ordered a new thermostat which by the way is harder to find than ammunition......lol!
Removed the thermostat and performed not only the YOUTUBE Test but also the test from the HONDA manual and the Thermostat FAILED!
So yeah, today, I ordered a new thermostat which by the way is harder to find than ammunition......lol!
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 295
From: Everett, Washington
What did I do with my hawk today?
I trailered by bike home yesterday after hearing the "call" for manual CCTs. :/ I don't think there's damage. I didn't hear any clunk. Just ding da ding ding da ding ding da ding ding. I shut off and pulled over immediately.
Ordering APE CCTs now.
I trailered by bike home yesterday after hearing the "call" for manual CCTs. :/ I don't think there's damage. I didn't hear any clunk. Just ding da ding ding da ding ding da ding ding. I shut off and pulled over immediately.
Ordering APE CCTs now.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 295
From: Everett, Washington
There was actually a 2 hour hole of sunshine in all the clouds and I squeezed a ride in. I found some screamin deals on used Dainese on Fleabay. I got a very nice ventilated leather jacket for $200. All I had to do was clean the bugs off and it looked new. I found some pants to protect my knees for only $60. Two words Dainese, Belt Loops. I felt a little ridiculous in full leathers. I definitely looked more serious than I'll ever be.
One thing I've noticed about the handling on the 'Hawk is that its so natural that if you overthink it, you screw it up. I rode better when I just went around the corner without thinking about it. The bike is good enough that it'll take care of you.
One thing I've noticed about the handling on the 'Hawk is that its so natural that if you overthink it, you screw it up. I rode better when I just went around the corner without thinking about it. The bike is good enough that it'll take care of you.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 932
From: Auckland, new Zealand
Dont ever feel that. Ever.
You would feel far more ridiculous getting skin grafts. I know its different in the US but here other riders mock you for not wearing the right gear.
You can go for a slide just going to the corner shop just as much as a track ride.
Wear gear for the slide, not for the ride.
You would feel far more ridiculous getting skin grafts. I know its different in the US but here other riders mock you for not wearing the right gear.
You can go for a slide just going to the corner shop just as much as a track ride.
Wear gear for the slide, not for the ride.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4
Not today, but 3 weeks ago I brought home a '98 Firestorm. All stock, manual ccts fitted, stock r/r so I've ordered a kit from roadstercycle.com, road rash from a previous owner, and 50,000 km+ on the dial. But the price was right and it is the fastest colour.
Been commuting on it and continually have my mind blown by how much joy these bikes bring
Today is set aside for fluids and a clean, then a little rumble around town.
Planning to do something about that front end, with it's front brake diving. Maybe some cosmetic work in the future too.
Thanks to this forum for all the knowledge, and continual use of the words "fun" and"amazing" when talking about these bikes. I think I'm in deep now!
Been commuting on it and continually have my mind blown by how much joy these bikes bring
Today is set aside for fluids and a clean, then a little rumble around town.
Planning to do something about that front end, with it's front brake diving. Maybe some cosmetic work in the future too.
Thanks to this forum for all the knowledge, and continual use of the words "fun" and"amazing" when talking about these bikes. I think I'm in deep now!
Thread Killer
SuperBike
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,097
From: Geneseo, IL
Not today, but 3 weeks ago I brought home a '98 Firestorm. All stock, manual ccts fitted, stock r/r so I've ordered a kit from roadstercycle.com, road rash from a previous owner, and 50,000 km+ on the dial. But the price was right and it is the fastest colour.
Been commuting on it and continually have my mind blown by how much joy these bikes bring
Today is set aside for fluids and a clean, then a little rumble around town.
Planning to do something about that front end, with it's front brake diving. Maybe some cosmetic work in the future too.
Thanks to this forum for all the knowledge, and continual use of the words "fun" and"amazing" when talking about these bikes. I think I'm in deep now!
Been commuting on it and continually have my mind blown by how much joy these bikes bring
Today is set aside for fluids and a clean, then a little rumble around town.
Planning to do something about that front end, with it's front brake diving. Maybe some cosmetic work in the future too.
Thanks to this forum for all the knowledge, and continual use of the words "fun" and"amazing" when talking about these bikes. I think I'm in deep now!
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 807
From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
SFA. This is the latest start I've had to a riding season. I've adjusted the valves, stripped the front forks, rebuilt the front brake calipers and replaced the oil cooler. I've got to install new front wheel bearings and seals, change the brake and clutch fluid, lube the throttle and cables, check the carbs and do a few other odds and ends. I seem to be able to get the small jobs done but I've got a big mental block about putting the bits back on the bike. It's easier and more fun to ride my trials bike.
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 40
Replaced the thermostat with a new one due to overheating.
I also drained and flushed the entire cooling system as well as replaced it all with OEM Honda coolant.
I also installed a newer set of carb boots and stripped down the carb jets. One on the front cylinder was clogged.
I also drained and flushed the entire cooling system as well as replaced it all with OEM Honda coolant.
I also installed a newer set of carb boots and stripped down the carb jets. One on the front cylinder was clogged.
Amateur Hour, Every Hour
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 101
From: Bloomington, IN
Past few days:
Pulled out carbs, replaced Factory Pro kit with 48 slows, OEM needles shimmed up 0.040" + OEM shim in rear, OEM mains, epoxy'd 1 hole front slide.
Pulled off 2bros exhaust, installed OEM
New plugs
Removed PAIR (superdutyd plates)
Removed CA EVAP
OEM Air filter + sub filters + airbox seal
TPS set to 502 ohms
Custom vacuum lines to seat area for easy carb sync
Hardcore chain clean + wax
*stripped out crankshaft hole cap socket
8451Hawk's carb setup is the real deal if you are patient and detail oriented. I just need to fine tune needle shims plus mixture screws but bike is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY better than previous owner setup.
Pulled out carbs, replaced Factory Pro kit with 48 slows, OEM needles shimmed up 0.040" + OEM shim in rear, OEM mains, epoxy'd 1 hole front slide.
Pulled off 2bros exhaust, installed OEM
New plugs
Removed PAIR (superdutyd plates)
Removed CA EVAP
OEM Air filter + sub filters + airbox seal
TPS set to 502 ohms
Custom vacuum lines to seat area for easy carb sync
Hardcore chain clean + wax
*stripped out crankshaft hole cap socket
8451Hawk's carb setup is the real deal if you are patient and detail oriented. I just need to fine tune needle shims plus mixture screws but bike is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY better than previous owner setup.
Last edited by TboneNast; May 26, 2014 at 01:32 AM.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 932
From: Auckland, new Zealand
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4
Saturday - flushed the cooling system twice with distilled water, filled it with Honda Type2 pre-mix; inspected the air filter and found a K&N from the PO in the airbox; inspected the chain and spockets and found them to be in great shape; washed the bike down and fueled it up - then washed the wife's CR-V for karma.
Sunday - the first ride of any real significance with this bike: up to Whistler and back. 70 Km of cross-city trudging, rewarded by 230Km of winding mountain roads and an unending parade of oncoming bikes - from little enduros, supermotos and racer-boys to baggers and Goldwings.
The biggest problem I encountered is that the road is built for travel at 130km/h, but the posted limit is 80... Humility then comes from the sensation of keeping a respectful yet enjoyable pace, only to be passed by a white E350 Econoline 14-passenger van shuttling mountain bikes. Obviously my VTR isn't quite yellow enough.
Sunday - the first ride of any real significance with this bike: up to Whistler and back. 70 Km of cross-city trudging, rewarded by 230Km of winding mountain roads and an unending parade of oncoming bikes - from little enduros, supermotos and racer-boys to baggers and Goldwings.
The biggest problem I encountered is that the road is built for travel at 130km/h, but the posted limit is 80... Humility then comes from the sensation of keeping a respectful yet enjoyable pace, only to be passed by a white E350 Econoline 14-passenger van shuttling mountain bikes. Obviously my VTR isn't quite yellow enough.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 834
From: Nooksack WA
Started the process of organizing all of my tools from 47+ years of taking my bikes apart and putting them back together. I confess to a slippage in the amount of time devoted to cleaning and organizational issues. I'm retired now and feel experienced enough to make the tough decisions on what stays and what goes. Efficiency needs improvement. I hate searching for a tool I know I have and by time this is finished I'll be able to find that lost 17mm wrench and whatever else pops up. It was amusing finding drawers lined with 1970 newspaper and even a Racing Form from 1965. A final note, with a very few exceptions the bike has been ready to roll on a moments notice. Enjoy your day gents!
